Thank you, my
colleagues. I accept that recognition as a recognition of the role of Speaker of
the House; a role that Dennis Hastert performed with great distinction and I
rise to salute his leadership, Mr. Speaker.

My colleagues,
you've heard me say on a number of occasions, in relationship to Dennis Hastert,
that in the Congress, as members of Congress, we hold the title "Honorable" by
virtue of our office that we hold; but in the case of Dennis Hastert, he holds
the title of Honorable not just for the office he holds, but by virtue of his
character, his leadership, and his contributions to our country.

About a year and a
half ago, in June, we all observed a celebration for Speaker Dennis Hastert when
he became the longest serving Republican Speaker of the House. Long may his
record stand. That milestone's a testimony to the great respect he commanded,
not only in the Republican conference, but in this Congress -- in this Congress as a whole, and in our country. Thank you, Dennis
Hastert, for your record of achievement.

I would
acknowledge someone who had a role that I once had, "minority leader," who's with
us today and honors us with his presence and is again a tribute to the
leadership of Dennis Hastert, leader Bob Michael.

Many of you know but I think
it always bears repeating that Dennis Hastert has long had a commitment to our
country, first as a teacher for 16 years, a teacher of our children and a coach,
as he reminds us. He then went on to the State Legislature in Illinois where he
served for six years and then in 1986 he came to the Congress of the United States
where he has served with great distinction and -- and with many accomplishments, as he
enumerated some earlier. In 198 -- In 1999, this Congress elected him the Speaker of
the House. The Speaker of the House. He brought to that office the values of the
heartland of America and the wishes and the voice for the people of Illinois' 14th district, and we have all benefited from that.

Though we have
from time to time, on occasion, differed on issues -- I remember once, we all --
we all
agree on the importance of public service. The kind of public service that has
been the hallmark of Speaker Hastert's career, whether in the classroom or in
the Congress of the United States.

Today I want to join
Dennis -- if I may, my friend, Dennis, in saluting Jean for sharing Dennis with us
for all these years and for her role as a teammate to him in his
contributions to our country. Congratulations to you, Jean. Thank you. And thanks Joshua and
Ethan and to your entire family. Mr. Speaker, I know I speak for -- and by that
Mr. Speaker I'm speaking for the Speaker -- I know I speak for everyone in
this House when I thank you for your service, for many things which I could
enumerate but I want to mention one in particular which I have mentioned to this
House before.

We all were part
of history when Rosa Parks became the first African American woman to
lie in
state under the Capital Dome. It was a great day for Congress and for our
country, it simply would not have happened without the leadership of Speaker
Dennis Hastert; thank you, Dennis, for that.

As you can imagine
Mr. Speaker, it's always a pleasure for me to say I know I speak for every
member of this House, but I know I do when I say, Thank you for your leadership.
Congratulations on a great career. I know great things are yet to come. Best
wishes to you and your family. God speed in your future. God truly blessed
America with your service to our country.